Friends University - Graduate Schoolhttp://www.friends.edu/taxonomy/term/21/0
enFriends University offers newly designed graduate degree for working educatorshttp://www.friends.edu/node/5592
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<span class="date-display-single">Mon. 07/27/2015</span> </div>
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<p>The Graduate School at Friends University has completed a redesign of the Master of Arts in Teaching curriculum and is re-launching the updated program with a new name that reflects those changes.</p>
<p>Designed for working teachers, the 30-credit-hour Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning program combines in-depth core education curriculum with the opportunity for students to create an individualized research study plan.</p>
<p>“Each Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning student, with the guidance of a faculty advisor, will select 12 workshops specific to the student’s chosen area of teaching or education-based career path, “ says Program Director Dona Gibson, Ph.D.</p>
<p>The University offers more than 100 workshop choices in a wide variety of specializations selected to support custom career path development for students. The coursework offers immersive, practical experience for teachers in all levels of pre-kindergarten through high school education.</p>
<p>The goal of the program, says Gibson, is to provide graduate students with an opportunity to focus on gaining in-depth knowledge in areas key to their personal career plan in addition to a strong foundation in the art and science of teaching.</p>
<p> “The very best teachers are those that are able to engage students in the basics as well as acknowledge and nurture their individual needs, gifts and goals,” says Gibson, “Our program is designed on the philosophy that education should acknowledge diversity and build on potential—we are empowering our graduates to further that philosophy through their own students and schools.”</p>
<p>Friends University began offering graduate level teaching degrees in 1987 with the mission to enable and encourage graduate students to excel as educators and succeed in any area of the education profession. Program particulars have changed through the years to reflect the changes in needs and goals of the national education system as well as the changing profile of graduate students. </p>
<p>Faculty are networked, education practitioners who are mission focused and committed to improving teacher performance through individualized, custom instruction as well as creating global opportunities for student graduates.</p>
<p>Graduate student candidates may choose a variety of learning options including on-campus, online and hybrid learning programs at Friends University locations in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City.</p>
<p>Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Jill Laffoon Rose </div>
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Graduate SchoolMon, 27 Jul 2015 15:09:58 +0000mickey_shannon5592 at http://www.friends.eduFamily Therapy degree ranked No. 16 in Midwesthttp://www.friends.edu/node/5436
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<span class="date-display-single">Thu. 01/08/2015</span> </div>
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<p>The Master of Science in Family Therapy degree at Friends University has been rated among the Midwest’s most affordable graduate degree programs in counseling and psychology.</p>
<p><img title="Best Counseling Degrees" width="175" align="right" src="/sites/default/files/images/best-counseling-degrees.jpg" />BestCounselingDegrees.net looked at 12 Midwestern states and ranked accredited counseling and psychology programs based on the cost per credit hour. Friends University, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), came in at number 16.</p>
<p>“The University has held our tuition costs steady for the MFT program going on the third year, which demonstrates our commitment to keeping costs down for students,” said Dr. Michelle Robertson, executive director and program chair for MFT. “Because Friends University is a private university, there is often the inaccurate belief that tuition is so much higher than public universities. Recognitions like these address those misconceptions and show that local and regional students have several mental health degree choices, including two COAMFTE accredited programs in the state, and places our program in the top tier for affordability.”</p>
<p>It is important to note that an affordable program does not mean a compromise on academic rigor, Dr. Robertson said.</p>
<p>“Students and prospective students find they can receive a high quality degree without a high price tag. Our program has received national recognition for our assessment work, has faculty members in prominent positions within our national organization and graduates students who pass the national exam at a high rate,” she said. </p>
<p>Friends University has two MFT degree locations, including one in the greater KC metro area and one in Wichita. Classes are available to students at $576 per credit hour.</p>
<p>Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolThu, 08 Jan 2015 14:27:41 +0000mickey_shannon5436 at http://www.friends.eduOnline MBA in Management Information Systems named among best in nationhttp://www.friends.edu/node/5386
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed. 11/05/2014</span> </div>
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<p>One of the nation’s leading websites in higher education rankings has named Friends University’s online Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems among the top in the United States. </p><p><a href="http://www.thebestschools.org" title="External link to thebestschools.org" target="_blank">Thebestschools.org</a> listed Friends University’s program at number 14. The University sits among good company with the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland. </p><p><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="/sites/default/files/images/best-school-seal-small.jpg" alt="The Best Schools badge" width="125" height="125" />The Friends University MBA in Management Information Systems evolved from the Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) program “to meet the needs of today’s technology-oriented MBA students,” said Dr. Mark Sanborn, director of the program. Dr. Sanborn noted that MMIS is one of the oldest and most successful programs of its kind in the country with more than 1,000 graduates. </p><p>“Students in the MMIS program are quite diverse and include technology-oriented individuals seeking to further their management information systems skills and gain business-related knowledge sets, and business-oriented individuals seeking to gain the management information systems skills and knowledge sets,” Dr. Sanborn said. </p><p>To meet the academic needs for these student constituents, the MBA and the MMIS programs combined core components from both disciplines to form the MBA with the Management Information Systems concentration. </p><p>“Students enrolled in this program can expect to receive a best-of-both-worlds academic experience that will facilitate their success in today’s evolving business environment,” Dr. Sanborn said. </p><p>Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-newsphone">
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Graduate SchoolThu, 06 Nov 2014 00:08:25 +0000rodriguezr5386 at http://www.friends.eduSeminar series to focus on project management strategieshttp://www.friends.edu/node/5377
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<span class="date-display-single">Fri. 11/14/2014</span> </div>
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<p>Done well, project management drives production, increases employee confidence and helps businesses thrive. Poorly executed project management can corrupt employee morale, cause uncertainty and adversely affect an entire business. </p>
<p>Friends University is partnering with Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MPMSDC) to offer three sessions on effective project management for the business community at-large. These sessions will be led by Dr. William A. Lybarger, professor of business at Friends University and an executive coach and educational expert on human resource and human services. </p>
<p><img title="Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MPMSDC)" src="/sites/default/files/images/MPMSDC-logo.jpg" align="right" width="200" />“The purpose of the relationship is to provide small business owners with training and information to grow their businesses,” said Dr. David Hofmeister, dean of the Friends University Graduate School and interim dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies. “The MPMSDC maintains communication and support for various businesses and part of that relationship includes training. Our relationship developed to deliver training on several business topics.” </p>
<p>All sessions will cost $175 per person and will take place in the Marriage and Family Therapy facility on the Friends University campus in Wichita. Topics include the following: </p>
<ul><li><b>Introduction to Execution: Date TBA; 9 a.m. to noon</b><br />This session focuses on creating a work culture that is based on accountability, differentiation and consequences. Participants will focus on changing talking to doing, linking rewards to performance, engaging in robust dialog that brings reality to the surface, dealing with nonperformers, differentiating between high-performance and low-performance employees, and hiring slow and firing fast.</li>
<li><b>Project Management Tools and Strategies: Date TBA; 9 a.m. to noon</b><br />Participants will focus on construction and use of the Gantt chart, a tool that offers a graphic representation of who is responsible for which task and the deadlines</li>
<li><b>Putting It All Together: Date TBA;</b><b> 9 a.m. to noon</b><br />Tools and charts are sterile disconnected from employee performance. This session will add the human component through the use of the Lybarger Management Matrix.</li></ul>
<p>Dr. Hofmeister said these workshops appeal to all who are responsible for the business functions associated with the training topics. </p>
<p>“From project management and supply chain, to lean manufacturing and compliance, the topics focus on smaller business operations where one or a few people have cross-functional responsibilities,” he said. </p>
<p>The sessions are designed around the clear expectation of enhanced business performance, Dr. Hofmeister said. </p>
<p>“The three-hour sessions are designed as tight, efficient, effective learning opportunities on a series of business practices and processes,” he said. “These sessions are workshops. Consequently, practices should change for the better after attending and participating in the learning expectations for each workshop.” </p>
<p>Individuals who are interested in signing up for the MPMSDC project management sessions should visit <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/o/mountain-plains-minority-supplier-development-council-ks-7625856929">the MPMSDC EventBrite page</a>. <i>(Please note the dates for the sessions may be rescheduled.)</i></p>
<p>Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolFri, 31 Oct 2014 19:50:18 +0000mickey_shannon5377 at http://www.friends.eduMaster of Health Care Leadership ranked among top online health care degrees in nationhttp://www.friends.edu/node/5262
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<p>Taking full advantage of the employment boom in the health care industry, Friends University’s online Master of Health Care Leadership program sits among the top programs in the country, according to a recent assessment by <a target="_blank" title="External link to BestColleges.com." href="http://www.BestColleges.com">BestColleges.com</a>. </p><p>At number 14, Friends University is the only college or university listed in the state of Kansas. And it’s in good company with academic powerhouses such as George Washington University, Penn State and Seton Hall University. </p><p>Friends University’s health care leadership program started in 2008 and was offered fully on-campus at the time. In 2010, the program added its online component. During the six years of the program’s existence, it has evolved and been updated to meet the needs of students, employers and the health care industry. </p><p>“The biggest challenge we face with the evolution of the program is monitoring the changes in national agenda for health care and incorporating those changes into classroom learning conversations,” said Robert Harvey, MHCL program director. </p><p>More than 400 students have passed through the Friends University MHCL program through the years, many of which are leaders in the health care industry at such organizations as Via Christi and Wesley medical centers. Harvey said many students are already in the health profession when they join the program, but they hone their business and administration skills through the program. </p><p>“We are honored for the recognition, and it is a testament to the quality of our full-time and adjunct faculty that are very student-centric in their approach. Our faculty do a wonderful job of creating learning-conversation environments,” Harvey said. </p><p>Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence. </p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolTue, 12 Aug 2014 13:40:14 +0000rodriguezr5262 at http://www.friends.eduGraduate-level workshops to offer glimpse of ministry programhttp://www.friends.edu/node/5074
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<p>Students on the career path to Christian ministry will have the opportunity this summer to take several convenient graduate-level weekend workshops. <br /><br />The workshops are offered and open to all those interested in furthering their education in Christian ministry, but might prove to be particularly helpful to those considering graduate-level education in the field. <br /><br />“Taking a workshop might whet the appetite for more and encourage workshop participants to enter our full Christian Ministry degree program. We hope this can be a positive ministry to the Wichita-area Christian community in providing graduate-level education for everyone, going beyond what one gets in Sunday School,” said Dr. Chris Kettler, professor of theology and director of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) program at Friends University. <br /><br />“We believe that the ministry of Jesus Christ deserves as much attention and dedication in education as one gives to any other graduate degree,” Dr. Kettler said. <br /><br />The topics of this summer’s workshops are diverse and will be taught by some prominent theologians, covering topics relevant to practicing or prospective church leaders. The following workshops will be offered: <br /><br />• Freedom in Ministry (June 6-7) taught by Miriam Overholt <br />• Christ, Creation and the Environment (June 13-14) taught by Fr. Terry J. Hedrick, Ph.D.<br />• Theology of the Family (June 20-21) taught by Dr. Chris Kettler <br />• Praying the Psalms (June 27-28) taught by Fr. Terry J. Hedrick, Ph.D.<br />• Providence: Does God Care? (July 11-12) taught by Dr. Chris Kettler <br />• Bonhoeffer on Ethics (Aug. 1-2) taught by Dr. Chris Kettler <br /><br />Classes are offered in a convenient weekend format to allow for practicing ministers to continue with their busy summertime programming and schedules. <br /><br />“The workshops are all on Friday night and all day Saturday, so vacations, church camps, and mission trips can be worked into the weekdays,” Dr. Kettler said. <br /><br />Additionally, the weekend format allows for a more thorough and fulfilling experience for the students. “Over the weekend, there will be intensive face-to-face time with the instructor and fellow students, unlike an online format,” Dr. Kettler said. <br /><br />Workshops cost $150 per credit hour. Each workshop will earn students one credit hour. <br /><br />Students interested in learning more about the workshops should contact 316-295-5516 or educationworkshop@friends.edu. For more information about the MACM program, contact <a href="mailto:pattyg@friends.edu">pattyg@friends.edu</a> or 316-295-5693.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolFri, 09 May 2014 14:59:24 +0000Friends University5074 at http://www.friends.eduFriends University Hires New Graduate School Deanhttp://www.friends.edu/node/3948
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<p>Friends University’s new Graduate School dean plans to spend much of his early days with his ear to the ground.</p><p><img height="250" width="175" src="/sites/default/files/images/David-Hofmeister-web.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />“During my interview, I was asked about the first 100 days as the dean, and my response was to conduct a listening tour,” said Dr. David Hofmeister. “Consequently, I will start in July with questions in hand to get to know the very important people I serve and with whom I work.”</p><p>Dr. Hofmeister comes to Friends University from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., where he was chairman of the division of education and a tenured professor. He has spent more than 20 years educating future educators throughout the state of Kansas.</p><p>Dr. Hofmeister will use the conversations from his listening tour as the basis from which the University’s strategic plan will be realized.</p><p>“As we know, the Graduate School is and will continue to grow as a significant organization to provide students excellent programs, networks for professional and personal growth, and superior learning experiences through our dedicated, committed faculty, staff, graduates and community members,” he said.</p><p>Dr. Darcy Zabel, interim vice president of Academic Affairs at Friends University, said she believes Dr. Hofmeister will be a strong asset to the University.</p><p>“His experience with program accreditation, new program development, and program growth and innovation will help our Graduate School advance new strategic initiatives set by the Board of Trustees and President T.J. Arant this fall,” she said.</p><p>Dr. Hofmeister was drawn to Friends University, he said, simply “because it’s Friends University.” He finds the University’s mission and vision attractive.</p><p>“The graduate faculty have the right programs for today and tomorrow,” he said. “The leadership has committed to a strategic plan. I know enough to say the forthcoming directions for Friends are very exciting, very purposeful, and I know that as we grow through the plan, we will serve students even better.”</p><p>For more than two decades, Dr. Hofmeister has been committed to students and has helped grow programs to serve those students.</p><p>“I have studied and worked to create and maintain culturally and ethnically diverse organizations. Inclusive, intentional opportunities are mainstays in my values and workday. So, I have learned and continue to learn when to clear the way, to push, to pull, or watch because the accomplishments of others are realized, and I need to be there to applaud them,” he said.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolThu, 07 Feb 2013 23:23:13 +0000rodriguezr3948 at http://www.friends.eduFriends University Honored with City and County Proclamationshttp://www.friends.edu/node/3410
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<p>The city of Wichita and Sedgwick County celebrated the University’s history and dedication to graduate education by proclaiming April 2012 as Friends University Graduate Education Month.</p><p>Friends University’s Graduate School has instilled knowledge and integrity in future business and community leaders for 25 years. Dr. Evelyn Hume, dean of the Graduate School, accepted the proclamation honors at council meetings from Carl Brewer, mayor of the city of Wichita, and Tim Norton, chairman of the Sedgwick County Commissioners.</p><p>From its modest beginnings of just 41 students and two programs, the Friends University Graduate School has bloomed into a booming academic enterprise with more than 700 students in 12 master’s degree programs.</p><p>The University’s unique cohort format allows professional adults to meet once a week for 18-months to two years and earn graduate degrees, while still maintaining career and family obligations. </p><p>“Students attend in a cohort group, staying with the same group of students throughout the coursework of the degree, thus building strong bonds that serve them well not only during their coursework, but often throughout their careers,” Dr. Hume said.</p><p>Throughout the past 25 years, the Graduate School has grown and evolved with the needs of its students and the community. For instance, the Master of Science in Management evolved into the Master of Global Leadership and Management in 2010. </p><p>As the Graduate School continues to prosper, Dr. Hume says it has a couple goals in mind for the near future.</p><p>“The Graduate School’s next big step is to begin considering doctoral degree programs, as well as adding additional master’s degrees,” she said.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolFri, 08 Jun 2012 18:54:38 +0000rodriguezr3410 at http://www.friends.eduOrganization Development Degree Combines Online Courses with Residencieshttp://www.friends.edu/node/3392
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<p>In an increasingly networked world, Friends University is extending another of its academic programs to an online format.</p><p>The Master of Science in Organization Development degree will be offered in a hybrid format, combining online classes with on-site residencies. During the two-year program, students will be required to attend two one-week residencies in Wichita and one international residency, with the rest of the course work completed online. </p><p>The organization development program is unique, designed to prepare students in the art and science of managing strategic change. The program teaches individuals to transform their organizations.</p><p>“Our program focuses on working with the human element in organizations facing rapid change,” said Dr. Jim Maddox, professor of business and director of the graduate program at Friends University.</p><p>“This includes any type of change an organization might face including technology, restructuring, new strategies, services or products, changes in corporate culture, the economy, the community, politics, the social landscape or the global environment.” </p><p>The innovative program will still be offered in brick-and-mortar format on the Friends University campus, but Dr. Maddox said the hybrid format would allow students outside the University’s physical reach to benefit from the program’s offerings.</p><p>“The curriculum content is the same for both formats,” he said.</p><p>In the hybrid format, students will be doing much of the program’s coursework online, while still experiencing an in-person learning environment through the three residencies. The residencies are essential in developing the interpersonal skills and consulting competencies that are the core of organization development. </p><p>“Students will travel to Wichita for one week near the beginning of the program. They will travel to Wichita for one week in the middle of the program. And they will be together for seven to 10 days for the international residency,” Dr. Maddox said.</p><p>Residencies in Wichita also allow students to develop coaching skills, practice presentation skills, improve self-awareness skills, and prepare for the international residency.</p><p>The international residency is a unique aspect of Friends University’s organization development program, allowing students to travel in order to apply the practical skills they learned in the classroom to a real-life situation.</p><p>“Our first international residency (short-term study abroad) will be in Bolivia in June,” Dr. Maddox said. “We will partner with a hospital there. The purpose is to give the students exposure to organization development consulting work in an international environment.”</p><p>Common roles that organization development graduates choose include organization development manager, internal or external consultant, human resources professional, general management and leadership positions, and a variety of human services fields.</p><p>“Because of the unique understanding and unexpected perspectives it taught, this program opened a major door in my career,” said graduate Amber Chatwell, who works at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita. “I worked as an entry-level change management analyst for Spirit when the program began. I am now a full-time human resources business consultant for Spirit and loving every minute.”</p><p>Among other practical lessons, organization development students improve their facilitation skills, coaching skills and their ability to think strategically.</p><p>“The program gave me the direction and confidence to lead our organizational change,” said Ken Moore, Friends University graduate and director of Reno County Corrections. “The teaching methods included classes filled with applications for our various situations and testing that emphasized application of principles, not just lectures and memorizing information.”</p><p>Friends University offers several other online programs, including Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership; Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management; Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Master of Business Administration; Master of Arts in Teaching; Master of Management Information Systems; and Master of Health Care Leadership.</p><p>Learn more about studying organization development, or other academic programs, by calling Admissions at 316-295-5901.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate SchoolTue, 08 May 2012 15:50:22 +0000rodriguezr3392 at http://www.friends.eduCelebrating 25 Years of Graduate Educationhttp://www.friends.edu/grad-25-news
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<span class="date-display-single">Tue. 01/03/2012</span> </div>
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<p>From its modest beginnings of just 41 students and two programs, the Friends University Graduate School has bloomed into a booming academic enterprise with more than 700 students in 12 master’s degree programs. <br /><br />As a pioneer in meeting the needs of adult learners, Friends University began offering its Master of Science in Family Therapy and Master of Science in Management in 1986. The University’s unique cohort format allows professional adults to meet once a week for 18-months to two years and earn graduate degrees, while still maintaining career and family obligations. <br /><br />“Students attend in a cohort group, staying with the same group of students throughout the coursework of the degree, thus building strong bonds that serve them well not only during their coursework, but often throughout their careers,” said Dr. Evelyn Hume, dean of the Graduate School.<br /><br />Throughout the past 25 years, the Graduate School has grown and evolved with the needs of its students and the community. For instance, the Master of Science in Management evolved into the Master of Global Leadership and Management in 2010. Dr. Hume said the Master of Business Administration has the largest enrollment, approximately 275 students, with the Master of Healthcare Leadership and the Master of Science in Family Therapy following close behind. <br /><br />“The Graduate School is very student-focused and always strives to provide the very best student service possible,” Dr. Hume said. <br /><br />At the inception of the University’s graduate degree programs in 1986, the master’s programs were lumped together with the University’s other academic offerings. It wasn’t until 2005, that the Graduate School was established and centrally located in the Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building.<br /><br />Dr. Hume is only the third dean of the Graduate School. Dr. Al Saber, who was a driving force in establishing the Graduate School, was dean from 2005 to 2008. Dr. James Gearity served as interim dean from 2008 to 2009. And Dr. Hume began her leadership role in 2009.<br /><br />As the Graduate School continues to prosper, Dr. Hume says it has a couple goals in mind for the near future.<br /><br />“The Graduate School’s next big step is to begin considering doctoral degree programs, as well as adding additional master's degrees,” she said.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-coninformation"><legend>For more information</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-confirstname">
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Graduate School </div>
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316-295-5685 </div>
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Graduate SchoolTue, 03 Jan 2012 23:35:02 +0000rodriguezr3147 at http://www.friends.edu